Gulshan traffic zone under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has launched a weeklong campaign to raise awareness among pedestrians, passengers, and transport workers about traffic safety rules.
As part of the campaign, on Thursday, the traffic zone began distributing 10,000 leaflets, and 500 roses among the people. Around 5,000 greeting cards are also being distributed, marking the forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
Dhaka Tribune is sponsoring the campaign.
Deputy Commissioner of DMP North Traffic Division Probir Kumer Roy said, traffic management system is based on two subjects: law enforcement, and awareness building.
“A large number of accidents occur due to lack of awareness among pedestrians also, we have a weaker legal provision for fining them. This is why we are trying to do counseling,” he said.
Without changing the mindset of people, it is very difficult to reduce road accidents, the police official opined, adding, another campaign is being carried out by the traffic division to transform peoples’ own thoughts.
MM Moinul Islam, assistant police commissioner of the Gulshan traffic zone, said the campaign is being carried out at his office near the Banani bus stop, at Gulshan-1 and 2, Kakoli, Banani-11, and ECB intersections.
“We have to grow the sense of self-responsibility to this end. We must not forget that at the end of the day, it’s us, who use the roads,” he concluded.
Among others, traffic zone’s Additional Deputy Commissioner ABM Zakir Hossain, Dhaka Tribune’s Head of Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel, and Assistant Marketing Manager Rafsan Salekeen attended the program.
Response on first day
Lauding the move, Rabiul Awual, a private service holder said such activities are really helpful, and encouraging.
“Such campaigns help reduce the distance between the public and police,” he observed.
Pedestrian Md Delwar was happy to receive an Eid card, a leaflet and a rose. He said “First time in his life he has received gifts from a law enforcer, I am happy.”